If I Were GM: Atlanta Falcons Part 2

Draft:

The Falcons own all their draft picks except for their 5th rounder. They are projected to get a seventh round compensatory pick. Basically at this point in the off season they still need to replace Dontari Poe and find some competition at guard. Another weapon at tight end and receiver could be helpful. This team doesn’t have many holes; its a good problem to have. They are a good candidate to trade down and grab another mid round pick to fill in the roster.

Trade:

Atlanta Receives

Denver Receives

40th Overall Pick

26th Overall Pick

2018 4th Round Pick

2019 4th Round Pick

Draft Picks:

2nd Round

Tim Settle NT

Virginia Tech

2nd Round

Dallas Goedert TE

S. Dakota St

3rd Round

James Washington WR

Oklashoma St

4th Round

Braden Smith G

Auburn

4th Round

Oren Burks LB

Vanderbilt

6th Round

Michael Joseph CB

Dubuque

7th Round

Mark Walton RB

Miami

7th Round Comp

Khalid Hill FB

Michigan

Settle is a big kid who can fill in Dontari Poe’s shoes. Let’s give Sarkisian some weapons, maybe we can brute force his deficiencies, and hope that some young talent can put more points on the board. Goedert is fast physical and can make any catch. Washington is a vertical threat that can replace the loss of Taylor Gabriel. Braden Smith can compete for a starting job. Dan Quinn likes his versatile players and Oren Burks is one. Can play as a coverage LB and even play at some safety in a Dime package. Quick and athletic. Michael Joseph is a small school star who got a combine invite and could be rising up draft boards. Good size but the question is if he has the speed to play against tougher competition. Mark Walton is a small running back who resembles Tarik Cohen. Average over 7 yards per carry last year before he got hurt. Khalid Hill will step up and be the starting FB. Can run and catch the ball at an above average rate for a fullback.

This is a team that is on the verge of a another deep playoff run; they need to overcome some coaching mistakes. It makes a front offices job easy when there are not many holes and you have a franchise QB. With these moves in both free agency and the draft they could easily compete to win the NFC South.

There are two spots still open on the roster. I intentionally left two off because I really think that there are teams that can separate themselves by finding un-drafted rookies. Un-drafted rookies who make the 53 man are the kind of players I like to have on my team. They are the hard workers who really have a passion to succeed. I think its important for Superbowl bound teams to add a few of those type players every year. Two spots are open. One offensive lineman and a linebacker. Plus they are cheap, if a team can find a few diamonds in the rough it can really stretch the salary cap especially when you need to pay for your franchise QB.

Quick recap:

Sarkisian stinks, but we gave him some new weapons to hopefully improve the offense. We replaced Donati Poe with an equally large run stuffer. The integrity of the defense remains intact as role players were brought back from last years team and Ricardo Allen got tendered. I say it again for the millionith time; I like how this organization is run, they have built a very nice roster all that was needed to be done was reload while the window is still open.